INDIANOLA, Iowa — Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Fred Luter has been awarded the 2013 Carver Medal of Simpson College. The Iowa school hailed Luter as exemplifying the commitment and service of the late agricultural scientist, inventor and Christian, George Washington Carver.
John Byrd, president of the private United Methodist Church-related college in Indianola, recognized Luter as courageous and committed to faith in Christ in the face of challenging obstacles.
“I believe George Washington Carver would have recognized some of his own experiences in the life of … Fred Luter,” Byrd said.
Byrd recognized Luter’s achievements not only as the first African American elected as president of the SBC but also as pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, having grown the congregation from 50 members to more than 8,500 over 25 years and sparking the church’s restoration after Hurricane Katrina flooded the facility and scattered the membership over several states.
Luter humbly accepted the medal and delivered the Carver Lecture.
“Simpson College, I promise you, if you continue to be faithful to God, God will continue to be faithful to you,” he said during the Jan. 24 ceremony. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Luter said, waving his arms in the air, “you will be amazed what can happen in your life … in your home, in your marriage if you’re faithful to God.”
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